Majoring in design?

DIVOTS

Jack Nicklaus, the man with 18 Majors in his cupboard, is now collecting golf course designs.

As 2003 came to an end, Nicklaus signed contracts to build golf courses in a dozen countries.

The countries include South Korea, Brazil and Russia (the course here will be only the second 18-hole course in Moscow). Nicklaus Design has 33 courses under construction, 17 of them overseas.

His first project was teaming with Pete Dye in 1970 to build Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Nicklaus Design now has 262 courses open for play around the world.

Star cast at Dubai

The Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from March 4-7 has succeeded in snaring the two best drawcards in world golf.

After getting Tiger Woods' confirmation, Dubai organisers also confirmed the entry of European No 1 Ernie Els. This is the 15th year of the tournament, and the prize purse if £1 million.

World No 3 Els, is the only man to have won two Desert Classic titles (1994 and 2002) and holds the course record with a 61.

Winner of three Majors (one British Open and two US Opens) and the 2003 PGA European Tour Order of Merit, Els looked like winning a third Dubai title last March before a brilliant final round 65 by Dutchman Robert Jan Derksen ended his chances.

Award for Annika

Annika Sorenstam ended a great year by getting the vote for The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. She beat Connecticut basketball star Diana Taurasi in the race for the award.

Sorenstam received 47 first-place votes and 249 points in voting by AP member newspapers and broadcast outlets. Taurasi got six first-place votes and 102 points.

Justin Henin-Hardenne, who won the French Open and the US Open Open and finished the year at No 1, finished third with 44 points. She was followed by soccer star Mia Hamm (31 points).

Sorenstam became the first golfer to win the award since Se Ri Pak, who won two Majors as a rookie in 1998.